In Clairefontaine
A real headache. Four months before the Olympic Games, it is difficult for Thierry Henry, coach of the French under-23 team, to get a clear idea of the team he will be able to field in Paris. As the competition is located outside of FIFA dates, it is up to the clubs to have the final say on the participation of their players. Real Madrid thus announced by letter to the FFF its refusal to release its team. “That’s always been the case. I knew how difficult it would be. I read the e-mail, I suspected it,” Henry declared this Monday at a press conference, on the occasion of the last gathering in Clairefontaine before the Games.
The choice of Real Madrid is very important since it would probably concern Kylian Mbappé, even if his signing in Spain has not been made official by anyone. The captain of the Blues by Didier Deschamps is one of the many players who have expressed their desire to compete in the Games by taking one of the three places reserved for those over 23. Eduardo Camavinga (who is under 23), Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy also wear the immaculate Real tunic.
If he understands the decision of clubs, particularly abroad who “do not see the same situation as us in France”, Henry does not admit defeat. “I never stopped at the first no,” he says. We will try to discuss, to be received… We will see where that takes us. We are not defeatist. We’re going to talk… We need to survey everyone.”
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One thing is certain, the Bleuets coach will not encourage the players to clash with the clubs. “We live in a world where, if you don’t set rules, people do what they want. That’s why there are red lights. We need rules,” he notes. Rules that the former Arsenal striker would like to see evolve: “The Olympics must become a Fifa date. Go to FIFA headquarters and ask the questions.”
Also read: Mbappé not recognized at his true value in France? “Abroad, they envy us”, Henry assumes his chauvinism
Suspended by club decisions, Henry gropes forward and clings to a few small certainties. In particular the targeted positions for the three players over 23 years old. “I know exactly the positions,” he assures, while conceding that the two friendly matches scheduled for Friday March 22 against the Ivory Coast and Monday 25 against the United States could make him change his mind. “Next, who? I still don’t know,” he admits.
Very smart is he who can predict it. “We want the best team, but a lot of parameters come into play and we have no certainty,” summarizes the coach. Everyone wants to come. Is it possible ? That’s another debate.”
